r/vexillology • u/Vexy Exclamation Point • Feb 01 '16
Discussion February Workshop: Symbolism
Previous Workshops
This topic was recommended by /u/MastaSchmitty, who won the January contest. The floor is open for discussion on how best to incorporate symbolism when designing a flag.
Specifically:
- How do you distinguish flags with strong symbols from "logos on a bedsheet?"
- How detailed should symbols generally be on flags?
- What are some of your favorite examples of symbolism in flags?
Any other questions are welcome!
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u/[deleted] Feb 01 '16
Hey, I'm no expert but I have watched Roman Mars's Ted Talk, and I got here from there so I guess I'll just answer based on what I read so far:
1- Simplicity and awe; a symbol should be simple so it would be easy to draw out memory and mostly easy to draw generally. Imagine a dying hero in a battlefield trying to perfect the seventh wing of your flying phoenix which is holding a cat!
2- again, as much simple as it could be, try to stick to simple abstract shapes if you have to draw a certain special item (say a cat) then strip it down to the most basic lines, no need for a detailed mustache and sharp fangs.
3- Japan old and new :D, Canda and Switzerland, also the old CCCP was quite a nice one.
great choice, and congrats on the win :)